The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), in collaboration with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has foiled an attempt by suspected vandals to cart away railway track materials at the siding serving the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills in Osogbo, Osun State.
The attempted vandalism occurred at the railway siding serving the facility, formerly known as the Osogbo Steel Rolling Mills.
According to the NRC, the incident was reported to the Principal Track Officer (PTO), Osogbo, on Friday, August 28, 2026, following information about the ongoing vandalisation of railway materials at the siding, which is currently not in operation.
The District Engineer, Western District, Ibadan, Engr. Austin O. Ohenhen, said the Principal Track Officer immediately moved to the location alongside security personnel after receiving the report.
However, the suspected vandals reportedly fled the scene on sighting the security operatives.
A subsequent search of the area led to the recovery of nine oxygen gas cylinders allegedly brought to the site for use in the illegal operation.
Security personnel, including officers of the NSCDC Railway Command, have since secured the affected railway materials and the surrounding area.
Reacting to the development, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the NRC, Dr Kayode Opeifa, described the intervention as another significant success in the Corporation’s sustained campaign to protect railway infrastructure from vandalism and other acts of economic sabotage.
Opeifa commended the security personnel for their vigilance and timely response, while urging security formations across the country’s railway network to intensify surveillance and enforcement against the theft and vandalisation of railway assets.
He stressed that railway infrastructure remained a critical national asset whose protection was essential to the safety of rail operations, the sustainability of railway services and Nigeria’s broader economic development.
The NRC boss also reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with relevant security agencies in safeguarding railway infrastructure across the country.
He appealed to members of the public, particularly communities located along railway corridors, to support the fight against vandalism by promptly reporting suspicious activities around railway tracks, stations and other railway facilities.
Opeifa further directed security operatives to intensify efforts to identify, apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the attempted vandalisation at the Dangote Steel Rolling Mills siding.
He assured that the Corporation would continue to provide the necessary support to security agencies in the collective effort to stamp out vandalism and other criminal activities capable of undermining railway operations nationwide.
The NRC has repeatedly emphasised the need for greater protection of railway assets as the country continues efforts to expand and sustain its rail transport infrastructure.
